Inside the Air Force highlights

Check out these must-reads from this week's issue of Inside the Air Force:

1. The Pentagon estimates it will cost about $2 billion over the next five years to stand up a Space Force, including $72 million in fiscal year 2020 for a new headquarters, according to a strategic overview document that will accompany the Defense Department's forthcoming legislative proposal.

Full story: Pentagon estimates new Space Force will cost $2 billion over five years

2. ORLANDO, FL -- Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson told reporters this week she still has several questions about the call from the Office of the Secretary of Defense for a new Space Development Agency, including how the new agency would differ from the existing Space and Missile Systems Center.

Full story: Air Force secretary questions rationale for Space Development Agency

3. Funds used to repair damages at Tyndall Air Force Base, FL, taken from existing operations and maintenance accounts, will likely not be diverted to pay for President Trump's southern border wall, an Air Force official told a House subcommittee this week.

Full story: Official: Highly unlikely Tyndall reconstruction funds will go to border wall

4. The Navy is moving ahead with plans to explore a second life-extension of the Trident II D5 submarine-launched ballistic missile, a project that would keep the strategic weapon system -- which began full-scale development in 1983 -- in service for the life of the new Columbia-class submarine fleet through 2083, potentially stretching the life of the Trident across a century.

Full story: Navy readies another Trident missile SLEP, stretching program across a century